Imagine getting famous via TikTok, but you’re not an Instagram model, you’re a world-renowned weight-loss surgeon. This is what happened to Dr. Terry Simpson, he has gone viral on TikTok with a plethora of ‘hard truth’ videos regarding nutrition and weight loss. Dr. Simpson boasts 327,000 TikTok followers alone, with many more on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

What separates Dr. Simpson from other weight loss ‘experts’, is that he is an expert in Culinary Medicine (a new discipline in the medical field) and is a big believer in the Mediterranean Diet as a FIRST step to try and address the symptoms of being overweight, being obese and PCOS. His motto is, “you gotta be able to cook, otherwise losing weight will be near impossible”.

His Mediterranean diet consists of lots of home-cooked meals, using colorful fruits and vegetables and legumes. The way our Yiayia’s used to cook. The ‘Modern Mediterranean’ diet is NOT the same Mediterranean Diet that our ancestors ate. The ancient Mediterranean Diet is primarily based around Vegetables, Fruit, Legumes, Goats and Sheep’s Milk, Red Wine, and seeds/nuts.

Some examples of foods you must eat, according to Dr. Simpson:

1. Berries- Raspberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Strawberries

2. Chia seeds

3. Oats

4. Wholegrains

5. Colourful vegetables (red and yellow capsicums)

6. Fermented dairy

7. Clean protein (wild salmon, high-quality grass-fed meat, free-range poultry)

8. Nut milk (Almond milk, oat milk)

Dr. Simpson is a pioneer in the field of bariatric surgery and patient education, with several websites dedicated to providing information online for patients. He is one of the leading bariatric surgeons in the use of social media to broadcast timely, relevant, healthcare news. Dr. Simpson is involved in research and clinical trials to further advance the field of bariatric surgery. He is currently involved in the examination of the Linx as a device for anti-reflux in Sleeve patients, as well as the use of the Mediterranean Diet for long-term weight loss.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekcitytimes.com

When you think of Athens, a bustling, lively capital, brimming with top-notch cultural exhibits springs to mind. Right? Well, it's much more than that. Apart from the great historical monuments, the huge apartment buildings, the streets, and the avenues, you will also discover many beautiful parks and gardens in the center of the city offering a much-needed respite from the urban hustle.

Here's a list of our favorite parks to explore in Athens and spend a refreshing afternoon!

Stavros Niarchos Park 


@mysecretathens

A cultural hub surrounded by tree-lined paths, perfect for jogging and cycling, the Stavros Niarchos park was specially designed to provide a "respite from urban concrete". The impressive complex includes flowers, pine and olive trees, playgrounds, fountains, and canals that fill the area with the refreshing sound of running water. During the summer months, the park hosts a number of events (often free), from yoga workshops to film screenings.

The sprawling Syngrou Estate, in the northern suburb of Maroussi, is actually a 200-acre wooded park, with well-maintained paths, perfect for jogging, running, and strolling. The park used to belong to wealthy businessman Andreas Syngros, but after his death, his wife donated it to the Greek Agricultural Company. One of its highlights, is the rare plants that can be found there, such as wild orchids. Once there, don't forget to pay a visit to the nearby Church of Agios Andreas, which is the only Neo-Gothic Orthodox church in Greece.

Flisvos Park 


@fanwho

Strolling around Flisvos Park, in the southern part of Athens, is a truly local activity, as this is completely off the tourist path. Located right next to the sea, the park features modern playgrounds and outdoor workout equipment for adults. The Flisvos Marina is just around the corner, where you can find modern seaside cafes and restaurants, as well as the Battleship Averof, a floating museum.

The most historic swimming event in Greece, the Authentic Marathon Swim, which opened the road for the organization of safe sports tourism events last year, returns this year with all the necessary health & safety measures and will be held with utmost safety, on July 2-4, 2021, at Pefki Evia of the Municipality of Istiea- Edipsos.

The Authentic Marathon Swim will gather great names of marathon swimming for another year. More specifically, the races will be held with the presence of the silver Olympic medalist, world champion and member of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, Spyros Gianniotis. The Hungarian Oceans Seven holder and member of the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame, Attila Manyoki, the American world ice swimming champion who has swum in the Arctic Circle, who is also the fastest swimmer in the world in his category, Quinn Fitzgerald, and the European champion George Arniakos will participate in the event for the first time. The list of Greek participants is enriched by members of the Greek national swimming team such as Dimitris Negris, Stellina Aplanti and Ilektra Lebl.

The Authentic 14km Route “Skyllias & Hydna”
The historic moment has arrived. In the morning of Friday, July 2, 4 top athletes from Greece and abroad will try to revive the feat of Skyllias and Hydna, the very first “marathon swimmers”, according to The Father of History, Herodotus, who helped the Greek forces in the historic naval battle of Artemision against the Persian fleet in 480 B.C. The swimmers who will try to cover the authentic marathon 14 km route are Attila Manyoki, the open water masters’ world champion, Vicky Kouveli, the three-time Greek champion and two-time English Channel marathon swimmer, Sofia Psilolignou and the English Channel marathon swimmer, Giannis Kotsiopoulos.

The Schedule of The Authentic Marathon Swim
On Saturday, July 3 at 11:30 in the morning, the action will start with the new 5km open water swimming race, at 14:00 the 1.5km will follow, and the schedule of the day will end at 15:30 with the 3km race. The swimmers will swim within the square and triangular routes that have been designed with a starting and finishing point at Pefki beach. On Sunday, July 4, the event will climax with the 10km marathon swimming route. Swimmers along with their escorts will board at Pefki beach pier, at 06:30 in the morning and their boats will sail towards the race’s starting point at 07:00. The race will start at 2 08:00 with a finish point at Pefki beach. At 09:00 in the morning, the 800m children's race will be held. The warm-up of the athletes will be held by the physical education instructor, Mandy Persaki.

You may find the full schedule of the event here!

The Historic Routes
All routes of the Authentic Marathon Swim have been designed by the Federal Technical Director of the Greek National Swimming Team and race’s technical director, with Olympic & world distinctions in open water swimming, Mr. Nikos Gemelos.

You may find the historic routes here! 

Symbolic Activities Honor The History of Marathon Swimming
On Friday, July 2, in the afternoon the Authentic Marathon Swim, honoring the history of the place, will hold a symbolic event at the ancient settlement of Artemision where Mavroelia from Artemision, which is also know as Olive Mavromandila can be found. It is a monument of nature and local history, one of the oldest olive trees in the world, dating back over 2,500 years. Winners of the routes will be symbolically awarded with a branch of Mavroelia.

Moreover, activities will include for the first time the presence of a Music Convention with the participation of the Hellenic Navy Music Band, connecting the historic naval battle of Artemision with the present and honoring the naval feat. On Saturday, July 3, at 21:30 in the evening, the Hellenic Navy’s Music Department will hold a music concert in honor of the Artemision naval battle and the Authentic Marathon Swim.

We Inspire the New Generations to Protect the Environment
With respect to the environment and aiming at informing and raising people’s awareness in the effort to achieve a zero environmental footprint, the Authentic Marathon Swim will have the nonprofit organization π 3 (pi3) as a Sustainability Partner this year. The event’s environmental activities will begin on Friday, July 2, in the morning, with the cleaning of Pefki beach. During the three days, additional actions will follow, aiming towards informing and educating the public for the adoption of an environmentally friendly attitude by everyone.

Strict Implementation of a Health Protocol
The Authentic Marathon Swim, that was recently honored with a Silver Award at the 2021 Tourism Awards for its “Guest - Staff Protection” strategy during the Covid-19 pandemic, will be held again this year in accordance with FINA regulations and the health protocol approved by the Greek General Secretariat of Sports’ Health Scientific Committee and established by the experienced team of ActiveMedia Group, in order to ensure the health of athletes and attendees.

Every Participant Should Bring the Following on the Day of the Event
All participants will have to do a self-test or a rapid test within the last 24 hours, or alternatively a PCR test within the last 48 hours prior to their race, in order to enter the event’s venue. They will have to show the certification of the negative diagnostic test for Covid-19. Self-test declaration is held here!  .

If there are consecutive race days for a participant, it is recommended to do 1 test before the first race. In addition, everyone must provide a health certificate from a cardiologist issued within the last 2 months before the event. This applies for everyone except for participants representing the Hellenic Swimming Federation who must provide their respective health certificate. You may find the general terms and conditions that all participants should know here: https://bit.ly/3gTouZi 


Register now & Acquire the Richest Participation Kits Participants will swim with safety in the impressive 10km route (over the shipwrecks of the Naval Battle of Artemision that took place in 480 B.C.), the 3km, the 1.5km as well as the new and unique 5km route. Respectively, the younger fans of the sea will have the opportunity to test their swimming skills in the 800m children’s race. Registration for the 800m children’s race is free. The event also offers a special discount on group registrations of more than 10 people. All citizens of Istiea-Edipsos will have the opportunity to take part in the 5km, 3km and 1.5km routes as well as the 800m. children’s race, completely free of charge.

Special offer: Book 2 nights & Get the 3rd Night for Free!
Accommodation packages at the Municipality of Istiea-Edipsos The Authentic Marathon Swim already collaborates with more than 35 hotels in the region, offering the 3 rd night of their stay for free, with the aim of revitalizing the sports tourism industry of Northern Evia and strengthening the Greek tourism product. Up to this point, this year’s event is enormously supported by the following hospitality sponsors: Maria Louiza Apartments, Altamar Hotel, Villa Anastasia, Ellaeon Throesma, Kochili Apartments, Pefki Seascape Rooms, Hydna Studios, Aktaion Hotel, Arethousa Hotel, Galini Hotel Edipsos, Island, Ilios Studios, Irene Studios, Meliti Studios, Mirtia Hotel, Prigkipessa Studios, Aenaon Studios, Aidipsos Hotel, Alex Spa Hotel, Anesis, Apolonio, Artemis Rooms Pefki, Artemision Hotel, Asimina Rooms, Avli, Evia Dream, Galini Hotel Pefki, Kerasiotis Apartments, Konstantinos Hotel, Lito Hotel, Maria Studios, Melikari Studios, Oversea Rooms & Villas, Posidonio Studios, Rodon Hotel, Sunset Pefki, Thalassa Hotel, Vasiliki Studios, Viki Studios.

Check the special accommodation packages here!

Participants and visitors can take advantage of the special offers, providing reduced accommodation prices and late check out while discovering beautiful hotels in the areas of Pefki, Loutra Edipsos, Artemision, Istiea, Kanatadika, Neos Pyrgos, Orei and Agiokampos.

Offers by the top Greek car rental company Avance
The top Greek car rental company Avance, as the event’s Official Car Rental Partner provides participants of the Authentic Marathon Swim with an opportunity to make their reservation, with a 15% discount on the official price list, for any vehicle of their choice regarding their travel to North Evia during the period of the event. In terms of bookings, participants need to send an email to reserve(at)avance.gr

NP Insurance and Philosofish are the event’s
Official Sponsors. Natural Mineral Water Vikos is the Official Water. Luanvi is the event’s Official Clothing Partner.
Avance is the Official Car Rental Partner.
Target Security is the Security Partner. Schoretsanitis Cheese Factory, Nivea Sun, Syconia, E. & D. Kontos S.A., Almanda and The Norman Farm are the event’s Partners.
Leandros, Swimmingclub.gr, LA Elite Fitness, APS TRIAS and Kallithea Open Water Team are the Authentic Marathon Swim’s Athletic Partners.
Liquid Media is the Premium Media Partner. π 3 (pi3) is the Sustainability Partner.
The event is assisted by Hellenic Red Cross with Chalkida’s Regional Department, Super Market Andreou and Melirriton. 

The Authentic Marathon Swim will be held with the permission of the General Directorate of Tourism Policy of the Regional Tourism Service of Central Greece, under the auspices of the Greek National Tourism Organization and the International Olympic Academy.

The event is co-organized by the Municipality of Istiea-Edipsos, the Region of Central Greece, the Organization of Cultural Development for Central Greece (O.P.A.S.T.E.), the Central Union of Municipalities in Greece (KEDE) and the Regional Union of Municipalities of Central Greece. ActiveMedia Group is responsible for its sports production. 

Photo Credit: Elias Lefas

Bring your heartiest appetite. In this episode, Sofka takes us food shopping the Athenian way, with two local food writers. Get ready to scour buzzy neighborhood markets and exotic spice-scented streets - and along the way, myth bust the Greek love affair with meat; tuck into Athens’ booming “world cuisine” scene; and meet the Greek superfood served at every taverna in town. Finally, we’ll take a nose dive into the heady aromas of Athens and explore the uniquely Greek approach to fasting. “You can always trust a Greek to turn a fast into a feast,” says Sofka Zinovieff in this fourth episode, devoted to the Greek capital’s most enticing perfumes and flavors.

Bestselling writer and former anthropologist, Sofka Zinovieff, embarks on a quest to uncover the true essence of her adopted home, in all its layers and mysteries. Discover how Athenians feel about their own architecture, how tragedy and trauma have flavored the city’s cuisine, why Athens has always been a “15-minute city”, and much, much more.

 

"Athens is the most foreign capital in the world," wrote the Greek poet Michalis Ganas. Indeed, “True Athenians” - those who have lived in the Greek capital for generations - are rare. Most call another place home; whether it’s an ancestral mountain village or island. Or another land entirely. From the Cycladic islanders who built their picture-perfect settlement on the northern slopes of the Acropolis; to the displaced Greeks of Asia Minor who fled the great 1922 Catastrophe; and the 21st-century refugees who risk everything to escape.

In this episode, we explore the vibrant collection of outsiders who have made this city their own - and in their wake, created an ever-evolving tapestry of Athenian villages; each with its own distinct personality.

Bestselling writer and former anthropologist, Sofka Zinovieff, embarks on a quest to uncover the true essence of her adopted home, in all its layers and mysteries. Discover how Athenians feel about their own architecture, how tragedy and trauma have flavored the city’s cuisine, why Athens has always been a “15-minute city”, and much, much more.

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Listen To Episode 3 HERE

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Transavia Airlines will increase the number of flights they operate between France and Greece for the summer of 2021, according to the company’s CEO.

The airline is planning to increase the number of their 2021 flights between the two locations to equal all those they operated in 2019, a banner year for tourism in Greece.

Greece has long been an extremely popular destination for French tourists, with many frequenting a number of Greek islands. Transavia is hoping to capitalize on the increased interest in travel between the two nations as the coronavirus situation begins to improve.

It is perhaps surprising that sales this year are surpassing the number of tickets sold in 2019, as the world is still fighting a global pandemic with new challenges in beating the virus cropping up often.

However, it is clear that people all over the globe are tired of shielding in their homes and need to relax and make memories now that the epidemiological picture is beginning to look better in both countries.

More direct transatlantic flights to Greece than ever before

With many millions of Americans being fully vaccinated, the interest in traveling to Greece is increasing all the time.

As a result, major tour operators and airlines have added a record-high number of new direct flights to the country to meet the burgeoning demand.

Airlines including American, Delta, and United have announced direct flights to Greece from a number of major US cities, making the two nations more connected than ever before.

To read this article in full, please visit: greekreporter.com

Enterprises active in tourism are among the top startups in Greece, according to startup registry Elevate Greece.

The data was presented last week during the first National Awards for Startup Entrepreneurship by Deputy Development & Investments Minister Christos Dimas.

Based on Elevate Greece data, startups in life sciences lead the way with 14.1 percent, followed by tourism at 9.1 percent, and the environment with 9.1 percent.

Life sciences also account for startup companies with the most employees accounting for 11 percent of the total, followed by advertising at 8.3 percent, and e-commerce with 7.4 percent.

In terms of concentration of startup activity, Dimas said two in three startups are created in the Attica region, followed by 14.7 percent in the Central Macedonia region, 6.5 percent in Crete, and 4.2 percent in Western Greece.

In view of the data, Dimas said the government priority was to create more startup activity outside large cities. “We have already initiated discussions with regional governors, and in particular with governors in regions where the rates are too low – below 1 percent – to find ways to create financial incentives together so that more startups emerge outside large urban centers,” he said.

Dimas and Development & Investments Minister Adonis Georgiadis told a press conference ahead of the event that 600 million euros from the EU recovery package would be directed to startup activity and research in the coming years, 100 million euros of which towards the creation of science parks. An additional 30 million euros will be channeled into technology transfer startups, the minister said.

Athens turns into a vast, open-air cinema! Summer blockbusters, all-time classics, local gems and special events in the biggest open-air festival in the city!

The most cherished film institution is returning for the 11th time, assuring that all the screening of the Athens Open Air Film Festival will take place  providing a premium audiovisual experience and, of course, strictly complying with the measures for public health protection and social distancing, as required in open-air cinemas.

Entrance is free but you will first need to acquire an admission pass, at least three days before each screening

To reserve an admission pass or view the screenings schedule click HERE!

More information about the festival's schedule can be found here! 

Athens Epidaurus Festival proudly presents the young musicians of El Sistema Greece for the second time in its history at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, in collaboration with producer, musician and DJ Blend Mishkin.

On July 5, members of El Sistema Greece Youth Orchestra and El Sistema Greece Youth Choir join forces with Blend Mishkin reggae band Roots Evolution and favorite Greek singers, in an artistically unexpected meeting at the iconic Odeon of Herodes Atticus and present new performances of songs that marked contemporary music, based in turn on older hits, thus introducing past music to younger audiences.

El Sistema Greece is a community music project that since 2016 provides free music education to children and young people in Greece. All children —no matter their origin, nationality, or religion— are not only inspired to strive for a better future, but thanks to music, they are given a platform for dialogue and togetherness across diverse communities.

Music is a universal language which can be a powerful tool for social inclusion. Musical education has been proven to be an incredibly effective medium for achieving long term social change for both the children involved, and their families, worldwide.